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Autumn leaves

Autumn foliage in Bright

Image: Autumn leaves, Bright, High Country, Victoria, Australia

Overview

Autumn leaves

The crunch of leaves underfoot, the scent of wood smoke, an explosion of red, orange and gold foliage. Experience the magic of regional Victoria in all its autumn glory. Usher in the change of season and marvel at nature's spectacular colour show throughout March, April and May in leafy towns, historic parks and along tree-fringed avenues.

High Country hallelujah

Take the Great Alpine Road to the thriving town of Bright. A gateway to national parks and ski slopes, Bright is renowned for its magnificent autumn display. Large deciduous trees, including oaks, elms, poplars and Japanese maples, drape the town in shades of crimson and bright yellow. Come for the Bright Autumn Festival to fully embrace the season and its local produce.

Just outside the historic gold rush town of Beechworth (worthy of its own autumn stopover), lies tiny Stanley, known throughout the land for its apple, hazelnut and walnut orchards and pretty autumn scenes. Enjoy the short sunlight-dappled stroll through town and pick up excellent local produce from surrounding farm gates.

Make for Macedon

Less than an hour from Melbourne, the rolling landscapes of the Macedon Ranges are awash with rich hues in the autumn months.

Heritage-listed Honour Avenue in Macedon should be your first stop, as it is for droves of camera-wielding tourists. Park nearby then walk to the avenue for unobscured snaps of 154 large pin oaks creating a breathtaking orange-red canopy. Note that the trees are at prime vibrancy in April.

In Mount Macedon, the sprawling gardens of Tieve Tara are alive with maples, liquid ambers, silver birches and pin oaks in transformation, while nearby stately homes and gardens offer more postcard-perfect scenes.

Gardens of delight

Just out of Melbourne, the towns and gardens of the Dandenong Ranges provide some unbeatable leaf peeping opportunities.

Country drives, golden days

Unfurl your map, make your pick and hit the highways and country lanes. Regional Victoria is filled with even more opportunities for autumnal splendour.

Kick up leaves and breathe in crisp country air on a ramble though the tree-blessed towns of Castlemaine and Daylesford. Be sure to visit Lake Daylesford, where maples and weeping willows turn a resplendent red and gold.

East of Melbourne, the streets and parklands surrounding Healesville and Warburton provide their own dazzling parades of russet and yellow foliage. While in Gippsland, the stunning town of Walhalla, surrounded by mountains and filled with deciduous trees, is a superb spot for an autumn weekend break.